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Alexander Menegat

Alexander Menegat
My research focuses on ecological weed management and cropping system diversification. My aim is to improve our understanding of interactions within agroecosystems and to develop cropping systems based on the systematic and integrated use of ecological mechanisms rather than direct interventions such as herbicides and fertilisers.

Presentation

Simplified crop rotations and the overreliance on herbicides for weed control have resulted in a multitude of complex issues in modern agroecosystems. These include the rapid expansion of herbicide-resistant weed populations, pesticide contamination of the environment and the food chain, health hazards for pesticide users and consumers, and an immense loss in biodiversity. Today's weed communities are dominated by a few highly adaptable species, which are challenging to control through strategies solely based on direct control measures.

My research aims to investigate the impact of diversifying cropping systems on the provision of ecosystem services. Specifically, my focus is on how diversification affects the composition of arable plant communities, and subsequently, functional trait diversity in agroecosystems. In my research, I employ participatory techniques wherein farmers, advisors and researchers collaborate to design and evaluate cropping systems in short- and long-term field experiments. In addition to my core research activities, I have a keen interest in the environmental, social and economic impacts of agroecosystem management.

Teaching

I am leading the Master course "Sustainable Plant Production". The course is part of the Master program in Plant Biology for Sustainable Production.

Background

  • since 2023 Senior Lecturer (Docent) in Plant Ecology, SLU Department of Crop Production Ecology
  • 2019 - 2023 Associate Senior Lecturer in Plant Ecology, SLU Department of Crop Production Ecology
  • 2015 - 2019 Postdoctor at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Crop Production Ecology
  • 2012 - 2015 Postdoctor at University of Hohenheim, Institute for Phytomedicine
  • 2012 Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Germany
  • 2008 Master in Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Germany, Major: Crop Science

 

Selected publications


Contact

Senior Lecturer at the Department of Crop Production Ecology; Ogräsekologi
Telephone: +4618671850
Postal address:
Inst för växtproduktionsekologi, Box 7043
75007 UPPSALA
Visiting address: Ulls väg 16, Uppsala